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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Paint Party Friday... Questions Answered

After 3 months of Paint Parties, some questions about my techniques and supplies remain unanswered. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to answer those questions (and offer a couple of tips just for fun)...

Two weeks ago I had a "tropical" Paint Party Friday post. Jessica from Brown Paper Bunny and Nicola from Pointy Pix were curious about how I created the black background with white line hibiscus flowers. I used black gesso (I love, love, love black gesso!) with white gel pen lines.

*Note: White gel pen is not water proof. (White paint pens are better for that type of work.)

Nicola was also interested in my collage papers last week. She and Dana from Sinderella's Studio wondered how I got the patterns so "uniform". My secret: Stencils and stamps. I cut stencils using mylar and I cut stamps from 1/2" foam. After I apply them to my painted surface I add additional details using paint and prismacolor pencils.

Alarmcat from alarmcat studio wondered what kind of sketchbooks I use that can hold watercolor. The truth is I choose my sketchbooks based on the book itself. I like a book with a good, sturdy, linen cover (I'm not a fan of flexible covers - I like a book I can use on my lap easily). The paper is decent, not watercolor paper, but it works... I don't usually mind when the paper buckles, but when it bothers me I just iron it. If there is bleed on the opposite side of the page I either incorporate it into that page or gesso over it.

I used to find my "perfect" sketchbooks in the bargain section at Borders, but they no longer carry them. I recently discovered the sketchbooks pictured above on sale at my local art store, so I picked up a bunch. They come in a variety of colors (the one I am currently working in happens to be black). You can find out more about them (and find a retailer) here.

I frequently paint with acrylics and when I do I like to add a paint conditioner to my paint - it extends the drying time making them more workable, and it creates a more translucent quality depending on how much you add. If you buy "acrylic glazing liquid" at an art supply store, it can be expensive. To get the same effect for less I buy "Floetrol" (paint conditioner) at my local home improvement store!

I wanted to finish this post with one of my favorite art supplies: The Prismacolor Colorless Blender... amazing! It is my go-to tool when creating colored pencil pieces that have a painterly quality.

Hi Kristin, thanks for the tips! I may have to try the Floetrol. My mom and I were admiring your Angel Cat painting (which is still in the living room)and were taking about how smooth and well blended your paint is. Love it!

kristin, thank you so much for the answer to all those questions. i have discovered how little i actually know about art products and techniques as i have tended to stay in my own safe little bubble of what i know and what i can do. ppf has been brilliant for educating me and opening up a world of new techniques-massively grateful to you and Eva for facilitating that!

Hi Kristin:) You have an amazing blog- I'm so glad I found it! Thanks for all the useful tips. I have black gesso, but don't use it quite as much...I'll definitely try it out again. Love your blog and now follow. Pls drop by my art blog if you'd like:

Wonderful post and so informative. Thank you for sharing. I haven't used black gesso before but feel a need to buy some and play around with it. Recently I've started using my colored pencils again and think maybe I need a blender too. Guess a trip to the art store is in my near future. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for all the great tips Kristen and all the insight into how you create your fantastic art. Black Gesso, who knew? I use white all the time, but never black. I have blending pencils but I've never actually used them. Maybe I will give em a try. Have a wonderful weekend! :-)

HI Kristin..wow...thankyou for sharing such an awesome post! Thanks for introducing me to floetrol stuff... this is brilliant news to me..as yes art supplies can be soooo expensive..wow.and yay..and yay!! I am excited can you tell?!Wonderful spotlight on some great products and fab tips..thanks so much!Have a beautiful wkdVictoria

Thank you so much for sharing this Kristin! I love your style! I just saw your painting that Nelly bought from the auction! It is sooo cute!! I adore it!!Yes and I saw you comment on Nelly's blog that you were on Oprah!!!! Ohhhh Do Tell!!! I love Oprah. I want to hear the story!!! Please!

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About Me

I like to make stuff.
In college, I made enough stuff to earn a BFA from the University at Buffalo. After entering the real world, I went on to make magical messes across miles of wall space, ceilings, and canvas.
Whether I'm making a painting in the studio or making a meal for my family, I believe opportunities to play, have fun, and make wild imaginings come true are everywhere. Anything is possible... No idea is too ridiculous, no dream is too big.
EVERY day is a good day to live a creative life!